Author: Pete Socha

Well what is there to say that hasn't already been said? I'm a middle-aged movie buff who has been actively reviewing movies for as long as I can remember. I love cinema in all it's forms. I am a fan of the greats like Huston and Welles all the way to Michael Mann and of course Scorsese. But I love those diamonds in the rough. The ones you have to dig to find. I hope to bring to those to light for you...

Sup Slicers!?

I’d like to introduce everyone to Mr. Peter Paul Socha III Esq. But you can call him Pete Floyd. Pete is the kind of guy that will lovingly call you a douche nozzle on any given Sunday morning. I recently became re-acquainted with Pete, and he expressed interest in writing film reviews for CinemaSlice.com. Well, now that things have been moving, and he’s written a few review articles under his belt– I wanted to take a minute and allow Pete to introduce him self to the SlicerVerse!

This little story I’m about to share with you is a brief look into why it is I am a lover of the cinema. In no way are my opinions facts, nor do I value my opinion over anyone else’s. But I feel 30+ years of enjoying movies at home, in the theater, and even in arenas, going so far as to travel days to see a film debut in an intimate setting, that I have a slightly honed perspective. My story begins like so…

Once upon a time, I was introduced to the wonder of cinema through my parents as a form of babysitting. Plopping me down in front of the ol’ tube to keep me occupied was the first big mistake. It created a love affair that I’ve been maintaining ever since. The second mistake that my parents made was to take me to the theater every weekend. Even if it was to see the silly actioner of the day, it was still an adventure. But the third mistake was encouraging it.

My parents made sure to find ways to get me to the theater no matter what. Or at least to the local video store. (Do you even remember those?) The first film I can remember watching is “The Longest Day“. Considered one of the “great war epics”, the film centers around the invasion of Normandy during World War II. It’s scope and scale are something sorely lacking in Hollywood today. Although released in 1962, a comparable war film wasn’t made until “Saving Private Ryan“, at least in my opinion. I hated it. As a child, who wants to watch a boring historical war movie? I was into Transformers and G.I. Joes. But as I grew older, I came to appreciate the beauty of the movie.

Hey gang, Pete here again to give you my thoughts on the Netflix original Gerald’s Game.

Anyone who knows me is quite aware of my fondness for Stephen King and his works. He his hands down my favorite author. Love him or hate him, one cannot deny his impact on the horror genre both in the literary world and on the silver screen as being substantial. His stories about just any subject on Earth are descriptive, engaging and usually more than relevant.

So it stands to reason that Hollywood would want to capitalize on King’s success. Many of his works have be translated to the big screen. From The Shining to Carrie to the many television miniseries including Salem’s Lot and the adaptation of my favorite novel of all time, The Stand, there are volumes of King’s works filmed for the unconstant reader. Continue reading “Expected NonSense – “Gerald’s Game””→

Howdy gang. Once again, Pete Floyd here delivering the straight poop on yet another film that is generating buzz: Hereditary

In a sea of blockbuster sequels, comic book movies and reboots, this unconventional horror film is a throwback to the scary movies of yesteryear. I’m reminded of films like The Shining that work not with cheap scares or over the top effects to terrify you, but instead rely on psychological terror to get the heart beating.

Folks, if you are not up to date on Star Wars in any fashion and for some reason you are going to start your journey to that Galaxy far, far away with this movie, you might not want to ever journey back.

Now I know some purists may not agree with my appraisal, and that’s ok. However, even the most die hard fans will agree, what the film could have been was SO much more than it actually was.

First is the fact that this is essentially two movies. Switching directors mid-stream is never a good thing. It was pointed out to me that knowing this I may have carried that resentment into the theater with me.

Perhaps.

However the film just seemed… Scattered. Like my thoughts about it.

There’s definitely a desire to know more about our favorite characters from the beloved franchise. But is it really necessary? The mystery and allure of Han Solo is a big part of the original film. And it carries into the rest of the series. So by detailing his past, I feel as though part of the magic is taken away. Continue reading “Expected NonSense – “Solo: A Star Wars Story””→

Hey gang, Pete Floyd here again, reminding you that I know movies, and I know if you haven’t seen this one, you’re a Momo.

From 2005, this overlooked delight was brilliantly written and directed by Shane Black, writer of Lethal Weapon, The Last Boyscout, Iron Man Three and the upcoming sequel, The Predator.

Staring the wonderfully neurotic Robert Downey Jr. and surprisingly comedic Val Killer in another of my favorite silly L.A. tales of mistaken identity, almost immediately the brilliance begins to shine right from the get-go. You wouldn’t think the pairing of these two would pay off, but oh boy, it does. Continue reading “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang… You Don’t Know What You’re Missing…”→

Hey there gang. Pete here with you as always letting you in on my mental ramblings about cinema. This time around, I’m filling you in on Jurassic Park… 25 years later.

I can remember being filled with anticipation, excitement and to be honest, a little anxiety waiting in line to see Jurassic Park at the age of 12. I went with my mom, who of course insisted that we get there an hour early, at noon on a Friday, so we could be first in line. We were. But there weren’t a whole lot of people there. That’s what gave me the anxiety. Did people know something I didn’t? Was it a horrible movie and I just didn’t get the memo?

My short attention span disregard the thought as soon as the lights dimmed. I was now seeing a movie about dinosaurs. DINOSAURS!!! Holy cow!

As with most of Spielberg’s work, the big reveal isn’t immediate. He takes time crafting the characters. Providing background. And most importantly, building anticipation. We all saw the previews. We knew what to expect.

Howdy folks, your friendly neighborhood momo Pete Floyd with you as always. Up this time around, I’m giving you the skinny on Deadpool 2.

Well gang, it’s pretty rare that a sequel can out do the original.

In fact, it’s so rare that it hardly ever happens. At least follow-ups anyway. Occasionally further into a series, a sequel can compare favorably to the original. However, that’s often not the case.

Not here folks. Deadpool 2, dare I say, is better than the original. The humor, over-the-top gore and all around silliness that made the first film so much fun is back, but without the downfall of repetition.

Obviously not one for the kids, Deadpool 2 is at your throat constantly with foul language, violence and a silly plot. All of which you’ve come to expect from this franchise. And of course the hammy acting you expect to come across in a comic book movie. All things that are easily forgivable.

I’ll be the first to admit that when Reynolds was cast in the role again after the disaster that was X-MEN Origins: Wolverine, I was upset. Physically. But the first film was a fitting adaptation no matter what anyone says. And so I got over it quickly.

Most of the original cast returns, which is worth noting because they play their parts well. However, Marvel has a new golden boy: Josh Brolin.

His portrayl of Thanos in Infinity War was above criticism. And here, in an awesome bit of casting, he brings to life Cable.

Hey gang, your friendly neighborhood Momo Pete with you again. This time around folks, we’re looking at Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War. However, we’re also going to take a look at how we arrived at this juncture of the Marvel Cinematic Universe…

Let’s consider this: of course this will not be nominated for Best Picture. On it’s face, this is pure spectacle. A gigantic cast, more special effects than you can shake a stick at and corny comic book storytelling is what this film is on the surface. But, there’s a lot more to it. A WHOLE lot.

I’ve heard the snobs who are paid to review movies talk about how they have grown tired of the comic book adaptations. How there’s a lack of originality in Hollywood overall. That’s true.

Howdy folks, with you again is your friendly neighborhood Momo, Pete Floyd. This time around, I’m giving you the heads-up on John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place.

Hand’s down, one of the best filmed horror flicks in recent memory, AQP stands out in the genre for a multitude of reasons.

For starters: The plot.
While untold events bringing about global destruction isn’t a new concept, it’s delivered beautifully in a cold open starting 89 days into the untold event. Careful placement of clues, not overly deliberate, give perspective that most movie goers believe they require to understand or enjoy a film. Here you don’t. You’re immediately immersed in this world without any concern as to what the hell happened. From the start you’re tense, wondering what horrors lurk around each corner.

Second, in a not too distant future where even whispers bring about creatures that mean to end you, silence is golden. As it is for the movie goers as well. The lack of dialogue demands your attention to the screen. You’re not tempted to pull out the phone or lean in and talk to whoever you’re with for fear of missing something. The film is shot beautifully with special attention taken in combing through the characters newly emptied world which they still mean to make comfortable regardless of what evil lies waiting in the wings.

Third, and I think most important, is the top notch performances of Krasinski and real-life spouse Emily Blount. Their delivery of the character’s struggle in adapting to the alternative existence they’ve been forced to endure is where the social underpinnings are clearly evident.